STALYBRIDGE car salesman Steve Pearson is a man with a plan – to make as many people as possible see some Christmas cheer.
The Acres Lane-based dealership is once again acting as a drop-off point for toys and basic essentials as part of the Mission Christmas appeal.
And after seeing a huge haul in 2022, he is determined to make it even bigger in 2023.
Steve said: “Last year, we smashed it. I’m going to make sure we smash it again – I’ve got a plan.
“It’s something we do every year and Christmas is very close to our hearts.
“We’ve been doing this for eight years now, we thought, ‘It’s time to give a bit back,’ and this is our way of doing that.
“It brings the local community together too. It’s our way of showing we’re part of that and there’s no ‘us and them’ attitude.”
Come December 18, Steve and son Jack will collect everything left under the tree in the corner of the showroom and take it to Mission Christmas, who then distribute to those in need.
And seeing how it operates made its mark on Steve, who added: “On December 18, Jack and I get a van and take everything to Mission Christmas’ headquarters.
“As we go in, you can see vans heading out to children’s homes, centres and ither good causes. As we put it in, it’s going out.
“When I first went, it was one of the most humbling experiences – I was in tears. You can see what’s happening and the changes the appeal makes.
“Some people say, ‘I’ve only bought a small thing.’ That doesn’t matter. You don’t need to spend hundreds of pounds.
“And for a teenager, some deodorant. How much dies that cost? It’s the thought that counts, not the amount.
“It’s like a grain of sand to me, each one contributes to a beautiful beach. That’s how I see it.”
Despite the cost of living crisis, Steve’s collection has got off to a good start. If you want to contribute, it is simply a case of heading to Steve Pearson Car Sales, on Acres Lane in Stalybridge, and dropping a donation off.
And any item, no matter how big or small, is welcomed, especially given the current financial climate.
Steve said: “Sometimes when you’re on the back foot, people sometimes dig a bit deeper. We’ve had a great stat.
“Each gift is much appreciated. There’s still a lot of kindness about.
“It works two ways – they see what we’re all about and see we’re a family firm but also we’re collectors. When we sell a car too, we put a toy under the tree.
“People can come here and drop a toy off. There are mince pies and chocolates, it’s as simple as that.”